‘Funding angel’: Junee’s Margaret Hill wins major Riverina honour

FOUR decades of quiet dedication to the Junee community have earned Margaret Hill one of the Riverina’s highest volunteering honours.

The long-serving local volunteer has been named the 2026 Riverina Senior Volunteer of the Year, recognising an extraordinary contribution spanning Cooinda Court Aged Care, the Junee Show Society, Junee Showground Trust and other community organisations.

Mrs Hill received the honour at the Riverina ceremony of the NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards in Wagga last week, adding another proud chapter to Junee’s rich tradition of community service.

Image: Supplied

Described as a “volunteer veteran”, Mrs Hill has given her time to the community for more than 40 years, much of it quietly behind the scenes.

Her work has included helping secure funding for infrastructure improvements, community projects and facility upgrades at both Cooinda Court and the Junee Showgrounds, while also providing invaluable administrative support to the organisations she serves.

At Cooinda Court, where Mrs Hill has volunteered for four decades, news of the award was met with pride and gratitude.

“We are thrilled to share the news that Margaret Hill, a volunteer veteran, has been recognised for her 40 years of commitment to our community,” Cooinda Court said.

“She has volunteered for the Junee Showgrounds Trust and Show Society, Cooinda Court and other organisations, helping to source funding for improvements to infrastructure, community projects and facility upgrades for Cooinda Court and the Showgrounds.

“It is people like you that make the difference to small communities. Thank you.”

The Junee Show Society was equally delighted to see its long-serving member recognised, describing Mrs Hill as an “administration and funding angel”.

“We can’t state how much we appreciate Margaret and her work,” the Society said.

“We are so lucky to have her as part of our team and can’t thank her enough. Congratulations Margaret!”

Steph Cooke MP (right) pictured with Margaret Hill (left) at the Junee Show | Image: Facebook/Steph Cooke MP

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke also paid tribute to Mrs Hill’s decades of service, saying her contribution had touched countless lives across the community.

“For more than 40 years, Margaret has quietly and selflessly served our community through her dedication to Cooinda Court Aged Care and the Junee Showground Trust,” Ms Cooke said.

“From supporting residents and families to securing funding for important community projects, her commitment has made a lasting difference to countless lives.

“This recognition is a testament to Margaret’s compassion and unwavering community spirit. A truly deserving recipient.”

Ms Cooke said Mrs Hill’s achievement was also an opportunity to recognise the thousands of people who give their time to communities across the region.

“Our volunteers are the backbone of regional communities, and this year’s Volunteering Awards are a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the incredible contribution each of them makes every day,” she said.

“Well done, Margaret, and thank you to every volunteer who helps make our communities stronger.”

Mrs Hill was among volunteers from across the region recognised at the annual awards ceremony, with Wagga’s Rory McKenzie named the overall 2026 Riverina Volunteer of the Year.

Mrs Hill was among five volunteers from across the region recognised at last week’s event | Image: Supplied

The awards, now in their 20th year, are run by The Centre for Volunteering and recognise the contribution of volunteers and volunteer teams across NSW.

Centre for Volunteering CEO Gemma Rygate said volunteers played an invaluable role in communities across the Riverina.

“Volunteers help build strong and healthy communities across the state,” she said.

“They are always there when we need them most, giving their time and support across all areas of life including health, emergency services, education and community sectors.

“Volunteers are role models for others, highlighting how volunteering can have such a positive impact on people and places.”

Riverina award recipients will now be invited to represent the region at the NSW Volunteer of the Year State Gala ceremony in Sydney later this year, where the statewide winners in each category will be announced.